Groundbreaking Ceremony held for the Apache Junction Water District CAP Water Treatment Plant
Pictured (from left): AJWD Superintendent Mike Loggins, Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell, AJWD Director Frank Blanco, former Vice Mayor Rick Dietz, Councilmember Gail Evans, Vice Mayor Robin Barker, Mayor John Insalaco, Councilmember Dave Waldron, Councilmember Jeff Serdy and Councilmember Chip Wilson
Apache Junction, Arizona – The Apache Junction Water District began construction on the Central Arizona Project (CAP) Water Treatment Plant with a groundbreaking ceremony today. The treatment plant will be located on Ironwood Drive, just south of Baseline. The $9 million project is being funded through the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) of Arizona and is expected to be operational in the summer of 2016.
“Today is a very important day, it marks the culmination of many years of hard work and planning to make this project a reality,” shared Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell. Working with Carollo Engineers, plans for the treatment plant began in August, 2014. “This project has been a longtime coming,” Mayor John Insalaco commented. “And with a company like Carollo, we know it will be well designed.”
“We are excited that next summer the dirt we are standing on will house a water treatment facility that will supply water for our residents, businesses and visitors,” Bryant Powell added. Garney Construction will be building the facility.
While the treatment plant is master planned to serve future generations and is designed to be expandable with growth, the first phase will enable AJWD to become self-reliant. The treatment plant will allow AJWD to deliver CAP water, a valuable source of renewable water supply, to current customers. The location is unique for several reasons.
It is in close proximity to the Water Reclamation Plant and a pipeline corridor has been identified for future integration of reclaimed water. Additionally, the treatment plant is immediately adjacent to the CAP canal that runs through Apache Junction. As a result, AJWD has the opportunity to build adjacent to the canal without extensive piping.
“This project would not be possible without the support and foresight of the Apache Junction Water District Board of Directors,” shared AJWD Director Frank Blanco. “I also appreciate the partnership with the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona for helping to fund the project and of course the dedication and commitment of the AJWD staff.”
WIFA offers funding for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater projects designed to ensure safe, reliable drinking water and proper wastewater treatment. Green projects, or projects for sustainable construction efforts such as water efficiency, energy efficiency, green stormwater infrastructure or other environmentally innovative activities, are encouraged. WIFA also offers funding for projects like nonpoint source pollution control, watershed protection and restoration, and traditional stormwater management. Since its inception in 1992, WIFA has invested over $2 billion in Arizona’s communities.
For more information, please contact Andria Samuels with the Apache Junction Water District at (480) 474 – 2620 or asamuels@ajcity.net.
